Nasr-ed-Din Shah Qajar only knew the Turkish language
of Azerbaijan
«While Heir Apparent and when resident at Tabriz,
Nasr-ed-Din Mirza received the usual education of Persian princes. In other
words, he was taught to read, write, pray, ride and shoot. The governorship of
Azerbaijan though nominally vested in the Vali-Ahd, being as a rule exercised
by some minister of weight and years, the heir to the throne has few other
occupations except those of the harem and the chase.
Accordingly, it is not
surprising to learn that the young prince was a father at sixteen, and that the
chief reputation he left at Tabriz was that of a great hunter. Called to the
throne at the early age of seventeen, and surrounded therefore from youth upwards
by the sycophants and flatterers who buzz round an Oriental crown, it is
surprising that Nasr-ed-Din Shah has turned out so well. This happy development
he owes to abilities considerably above the average, and to decided strength of
character. When he came to the throne he only knew the Turkish language, which
is spoken in Azerbaijan; but he soon learnt both to speak and to write Persian
well, and has since acquired a tolerable familiarity with French and Arabic.»
George N. Curzon — Persia and the
Persian Question. Vol. I, pp. 396-397 (1892)
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